Natural Colour Pigments: Innovations and Implications for the Future

When Professor Silvia Vignolini, Sparxell’s Chief Scientific Advisor, found the fruits of Pollia condensata at the British Museum, their colours were as vibrant as the day they were picked over 100 years ago. The secret lies in the plant’s structure. Its cellulose chains create a bright, natural colour that doesn’t fade, known as structural colour.

Inspired by this phenomenon, Dr. Benjamin Droguet, Sparxell’s Founder & CEO, teamed with Professor Vignolini’s group at Cambridge to replicate these natural colours using plant-based cellulose.

Sparxell is now revolutionising industries with eco-friendly pigments that don’t compromise. One key innovation is nanocellulose, a plant-based material known for its strength, biodegradability, and versatility. It's paving the way for eco-friendly pigments, safer for people and the Earth.

Explore our Science Decoding report